Murray, a former Democratic state legislator elected mayor in 2013,said in a statement he is resigning effective 5 p.m. Wednesday.

While the allegations against me are not true, it is important that mypersonal issues do not affect the ability of our City government toconduct the publics business, Murray said in a statement, adding hewas proud of his accomplishments while in office.

The mayor stayed in his office Tuesday and didnt address his staff atlarge before his resignation announcement, according to a source. Pizzawas seen being delivered to his staff on the seventh floor of City Hall.

City Council President Bruce Harrell will temporarily serve as mayorand will decide within five days whether to fill out the remainder ofMurrays term. If he decides against it, the council would pick anotherof its members to serve as mayor until the Nov. 7 election results arecertified.

In a statement, Harrell said, my heart goes out to survivors ofsexual abuse due to the re-traumatization these allegations havecaused

These accusations are unspeakable and require the utmost attentionfrom our legal and social service system no matter how long ago theymight have occurred.

Harrell added the city must focus on governance and day-to-daybusiness without distraction, saying he has a plan in place for aseamless transition.

Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant blasted her colleagues for notacting to push Murray from office sooner. Unfortunately, the majorityof the City Council failed to show any such leadership, she said.

Murrays resignation came shortly after The Seattle Times reportedTuesday morning on allegations by Murrays cousin, Joseph Dyer, 54, whohas become the fifth man to publicly accuse Murray of child sexualabuse.

Dyer says he was 13 when Murray forced him into sex when the two shareda bedroom at Dyers mothers home in Medford, New York, in themid-1970s.

His mother, Maryellen Sottile, said we were very glad to hear thathes resigned. We hope it helps the others in some way.

Murray, 62, a former Democratic state legislator, has repeatedly deniedthat he sexually abused anyone, contending the accusations are part ofa political takedown targeting him for his progressive politics andrecord as a gay-rights champion. He attributed the latest claims to badblood between two estranged wings of the family.

Another accuser, Jeff Simpson, a former foster son of Murrays whoclaims Murray began abusing him at age 13, said of the resignation: Icouldnt believe it. I was like, you know what? God is good. Whenyoure doing the right thing and dont quit before the miracle, Godtakes care of stuff. Its just on his time.

Simpson met Murray while growing up in a Portland group home fortroubled children in the late 1970s. He tried to bring attention to hisallegation in 2008, when Murray was in the Legislature, but his accountwas never publicly reported.

On Tuesday, he said, If nothing else happens, and nothing else comesof it, for me, I will be OK. Because I believe I got my story out This allowed me to show my son the new cycle of my life, to show how togo about dealing with major things in your life and not give up. Thatits OK to stand up for what you believe and tell the truth.

A third accuser, Lloyd Anderson, who also met Murray in the Portlandgroup home, issued a statement through his lawyer.

I feel victory, but saddened that it required another victim to comeforward for him to resign. I wonder how many other victims are outthere, said Anderson, who has alleged he was paid for sex as ateenager by Murray in the 1980s in Portland.

Murray ended his bid for a second term earlier this year because of thescandal, but had staved off calls to resign before his term ended.

He had retained support for finishing out his term from a majority ofthe City Council and four former mayors.

But his remaining support deteriorated after the latest allegationsemerged Tuesday.

Its clear that it is in everybodys best interest for him to resign.As a parent, former public official and openly gay woman, theseallegations are beyond sad and tragic; no official is above the law,candidate Jenny Durkan said in a statement just before Murray announcedhis resignation.

Durkan, a former U.S. attorney, had accepted Murrays endorsement andhad previously declined to call for his resignation.

Her rival in the mayors race, Cary Moon, called for Murray to stepdown months ago.

Moon reiterated her stance Tuesday, saying the mayors response to theallegations had been deeply inappropriate and harmful, especially tosurvivors, LGBTQ people and young people everywhere. Survivors ofsexual assault must be believed and treated with respect.

Former Mayor Greg Nickels, who had previously said Murray should beallowed to finish his term, said in an email Tuesday Given the newallegations the Mayor is making the right decision [to resign].

As for Simpson, he said, Is it justice, is it closure? I dont know.But this definitely  this is a major step in the right direction.

Buzzsaw: I will never link homosexuality with child rape. Nope, not me.